Alma D. Grawehr

Age 86 of Browntown, died Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at Graceland Manor. Alma was born on January 11, 1931. How fitting she was a child born on the Sabbath to Jacob and Sarah (Weaby) Harder. She came into this world born at home in a small farm house on the windswept plains of southeastern Kansas. Her mother was a devout Mennonite; her father was a hard working farmer.

Living and necessity is a great instructor. Alma was an exceptional student. She learned the arts of home making. She sewed her own dresses from used flour sacks, she ran miles to grandma's when she was stuck on a single crochet hook, and she practiced playing the organ on a cardboard cut-out. She was a child who appreciated the basics, loved the songs of worship, and was stubbornly determined as the day is long.

Alma graduated from high school in Kansas and married Antone C. Grawehr on November 8, 1952 in Hutchinson, KS. The couple settled in South Wayne and Alma was employed by the Swiss Colony for over 40 years. She was a member of St. John's Catholic Church in South Wayne, was an avid crocheter and quilter, and enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles. Alma is remembered as a devoted friend, mother, grandmother, and a woman of faith. She loved without bounds, gave without expectation, and lived her faith in action and deed. She also had an amazing memory-never leaving anyone out of her news or prayers.

She is lovingly survived by three children, Joseph (Jill) Grawehr of Madison, John Grawehr of Madison, Deanna (Jim) Vanderheyden of Batavia, IL ; four grandchildren, Tyler, Kyle, Alyssa, Schulz and Cort Grawehr; a brother, Delbert Harder of Monroe; and a sister, Eva Johanson of KS. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Antone, on Aug. 10, 2013; two sons, Thomas in 1964 and Donald in 2008; and a sister, Edna McCall.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., at St. John's Catholic Church in South Wayne, with Father Joji Reddy officiating. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Monroe. Visitation will be at the Newcomer Funeral Home, Monroe, on Monday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Family memories will be share at 6:30 p.m.  A memorial fund will be established in Alma's name. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net

Monday's child is fair in face

Tuesday's child is full of grace

Wednesday's child is full of woe

Thursday's child has far to go

Friday's child is loving and giving and

Saturday's child works hard for his living.

But the child that's born on the Sabbath Day

Is loving and giving, good and gay!

Mother Goose Rhymes